Friendship Tavern: Come As Strangers, Leave As Friends

(FRIENDSHIP, Ind.) – Friendship Tavern & Restaurant is well-worth the visit if you’re looking for a unique place to grab drinks and dinner. 

The tavern has been in operation since 1932 and it isn’t just the menu that attracts visitors. 

“It’s a place where you come as a stranger and leave as a friend,” said co-manager Melissa Gast. 

That statement also serves as the tavern’s slogan and it makes complete sense once you step inside. 

“It’s just the whole atmosphere here, there is really nothing else like it. From the locals that stop by to those who come from all over, you never know who you might meet here,” Gast added. 

Gast has been working at the tavern for the past 16 years and serves as co-manager along with Whitney Hillstrand. 

Because of the annual muzzle-loading rifle events and flea markets, the restaurant has welcomed visitors from as far away as England, Germany, Australia and Switzerland.

“Even during the week we get people from all over the Tri-State and region who are just taking a daytrip and end up here in Friendship,” Gast said. 

You never know what might be parked out in front of the tavern either. While some travel by car, you will likely see ATV’s, motorcycles and maybe even horses.

“All roads lead to Friendship,” she laughed. “Whether somebody is out cruising the backroads, on a benefit ride, or here in town for the shoot, people just seem to find their way here,” she said. 

If you haven’t been to Friendship before, one surprise you’ll encounter is that there is hardly any cell phone service. 

While that may sound like an inconvenience, it’s all part of what makes Friendship unique.

“We are known as the Valley of the Unconcerned and a lot of people come down here to just get away from the rush and hassle of the world for a short period of time,” she added. 

Feeding Friendship Since 1932 

Friendship Tavern has many options on their menu but are best known for their cod sandwiches, burgers and their new hand-breaded tenderloin. 

It opens each day at 11 a.m. with the exception of Monday’s when they are closed. 

They also have a stage where there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes on Sundays. 

The tavern has been owned by Greg Knue since 2019 and employees like Gast describe their work experience as being more like family. 

“We don’t really have much employment turnaround at all. We are all friends outside of work and hang out together. We have a great crew and most of us have been here for years and don’t plan to leave anytime soon,” Gast said. 

Friendship State Bank and The 812 have partnered for a new “Small Business Spotlight” and the bank believed the tavern was the perfect choice to start the initiative. 

“We often have meetings here or grab carryout lunch. The food over here is excellent and so is the entire staff, it means a lot to have them in our community and we are happy to support Friendship Tavern & Restaurant,” said Friendship State Bank marketing coordinator Hope Tankersley.

Learn more about Friendship Tavern & Restaurant by clicking here.

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